A nurse in the Emergency Department is evaluating a patient’s cardiac rhythm. What is the correct interpretation of the rhythm and the appropriate treatment?

Atrial Flutter - Cardioversion

Ventricular Tachycardia - Cardioversion

Atrial Fibrillation - Cardioversion

Ventricular Fibrillation - Defibrillation

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A rationale
Atrial Flutter is a type of arrhythmia where the atria beat regularly, but much faster than usual. The treatment for Atrial Flutter is typically medication, not cardioversion.
Choice B rationale
Ventricular Tachycardia is a fast, abnormal heart rate. It starts in your heart’s lower chambers, or ventricles. Ventricular Tachycardia is a serious condition and can be life-threatening. While cardioversion can be used in some cases, it is not the primary treatment.
Choice C rationale
Atrial Fibrillation is when the upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat irregularly. This causes the atria to twitch, leading to an abnormal heart rhythm. The treatment for Atrial Fibrillation is typically medication, not cardioversion.
Choice D rationale
Ventricular Fibrillation is a life-threatening heart rhythm that results in a rapid, erratic heartbeat. During Ventricular Fibrillation, the heart quivers and can’t pump any blood, causing cardiac arrest. The treatment for Ventricular Fibrillation is Defibrillation.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale
While palpating the liver edge can provide information about liver health and potential fluid accumulation, it is not typically a priority assessment for a patient taking Digoxin (Lanoxin), Furosemide (Lasix), and Captopril.
Choice B rationale
A serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L is low (hypokalemia). This is a critical finding because both Digoxin and Furosemide can cause hypokalemia. Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity, which can lead to serious cardiac arrhythmias.
Choice C rationale
While weight gain may indicate worsening heart failure, a gain of 2 pounds over 3 days is not typically considered significant. However, any sudden or unexplained weight gain should be reported to the healthcare provider.
Choice D rationale
Presence of 1+ to 2+ edema in the feet and ankles could indicate worsening heart failure, but it is not as immediately concerning as hypokalemia in a patient taking Digoxin and Furosemide.

A. Newly admitted patient with a BP of 150/87 mm Hg. B. Patient with left ventricular failure who has a BP of 110/70 mm Hg. C. Postoperative patient with a BP of 116/42 mm Hg. D. Patient with a myocardial infarction who has a BP of 140/86 mm Hg.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The patient with a blood pressure of 116/42 mm Hg has a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of approximately 67 mm Hg, which is less than the standard policy of 70 mm Hg. This could indicate inadequate blood flow to the vital organs, necessitating notification of the healthcare provider.

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A nurse in the Emergency Department is evaluating a patient’s cardiac rhythm. What is the correct interpretation of the rhythm and the appropriate treatment?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient with heart failure has recently started taking Digoxin (Lanoxin), Furosemide (Lasix), and Captopril. Which finding by the home health nurse is a priority to communicate to the healthcare provider?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The standard policy on the cardiac unit states, “Notify the health care provider for mean arterial pressure (MAP) less than 70 mm Hg.”. Which patient should the nurse call the health care provider about?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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